Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Reading and Listening versions
In Reading you read a text of up to 110 words and choose one answer (Pearson). In Listening you hear a 30–60 second recording once, after about five seconds to skim the question, and choose one answer (Pearson). The scoring rule and item counts are from Pearson's PTE Academic Test Taker Score Guide; task details are from Pearson's test format pages. Both read on 30 October 2026. The tips are our own, not Pearson's.
| Version | Per test | Input | Skill scored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 2–3 | Text up to 110 words | Reading |
| Listening: Multiple Choice, Single Answer | 2–3 | Recording of 30–60 seconds, played once | Listening only |
How it is scored
Pearson's Listening page says the response is scored as either correct or incorrect, and no credit is given for no response or a wrong response (Pearson). The Score Guide gives 1 point for a correct response and 0 otherwise.
Unlike Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers, there is no deduction for a wrong choice, so never leave this item blank.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored PTE mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free PTE mock test, PTE predictions, PTE Core practice test and PTE to IELTS converter.
Why it carries little weight
Each item is worth at most one point, and there are only a few of them. Partial-credit tasks such as the fill-in-the-blanks items or Write from Dictation offer more points per item. That is our reading of the Score Guide's tables; Pearson does not publish item weights.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in PTE Multiple Choice, Single Answer?+
No. A wrong answer scores 0, the same as no answer.
How many points is Multiple Choice, Single Answer worth?+
1 point if correct, 0 if not.
Does Listening Multiple Choice, Single Answer affect reading?+
No. Pearson says it affects listening only.
How long is the reading text?+
Up to 110 words, according to Pearson's Reading format page.
Keep reading
Related
- PTE Highlight Incorrect Words and Multiple Answers scoring
- PTE Highlight Correct Summary scoring
- Practise Multiple Choice, Single Answer
- PTE scoring criteria
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy